The Department for Transport (DfT) has called on the European Commission to launch an investigation into car manufacturer Volkswagen's rigging of emissions tests on diesel vehicles.
The German giant has told the media 11 million vehicles worldwide could be involved in the scandal, which emerged because of test rigging in America, and it was setting aside £4.7bn to cover costs.
The move has been described by one German newspaper as 'the most expensive act of stupidity' in the history of the car industry. The firm has been asked to recall around half a million cars so far.
In response transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: ‘We are closely monitoring the situation and have been pushing for action at a European level for more accurate tests that reflect driving on the road.
‘It's vital that the public has confidence in vehicle emissions tests and I am calling for the European Commission to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency.’
VW chief executive Martin Winterkorn said he was ‘endlessly sorry’ for the ‘manipulation’ following the boss of Volkswagen's US business, Michael Horn, admitted the firm ‘totally screwed up’.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said VW diesel cars had much higher emissions than tests had suggested.
VW now faces fines that could add up to billions and possibly criminal charges against executives.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said there was ‘no evidence that manufacturers cheat the cycle’ in the EU, which has much stricter tests.
‘Vehicles are removed from the production line randomly and must be standard production models, certified by the relevant authority - the UK body being the Vehicle Certification Agency, which is responsible to the Department for Transport.’
However he added the current testing models were ‘outdated’ and should reflect on road conditions better.
